Thursday, April 18, 2013

A Closer Look at the Folk Art Museum

Finding myself in Midtown the other day I decided to walk by the former American Folk Art Museum and take some photos, considering MoMA is planning on demolishing the marvelous building designed by Tod Williams Billie Tsien Architects. As I was snapping some photos from under the sidewalk shed across the street a lady stopped and we started talking about how much we both like the building and couldn't believe it would be torn down. She then thanked me for prompting her to stop and take a look, something she wouldn't have done otherwise.

Her words prompted me to take an even closer look at the distinctive Tombasil (alloyed white bronze) panels that comprise the distinctive facade. Below are three levels of details: The base of the building from across the street; a detail of a panel where the name of the museum used to be mounted; and a close-up of one of the big air bubbles created in the process of making the panel.

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[Photos by John Hill]

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